Turncole Wind Farm 1... · 3.1 Typical Turbine Dimensions 3.2 Typical Crane Dimension 3.3 Typical...

Turncole Wind FarmSupplementary Environmental Information 2012

Volume 1 – Appendices

Turncole Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Volume 1 Appendix

i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

No. Appendix

3 TRANSPORT

3.1 Typical Turbine Dimensions

3.2 Typical Crane Dimension

3.3 Typical Vehicle Delivery Drawings

3.4 Public highway Pre and Post Condition Survey Methodology

3.5 Turncole Wind Farm Delivery Tables

4 TREE AND ECOLOGY ASSESSMENT ALONG ABNORMAL ACCESS ROUTE

4.1 Tree Categories and Assessment Criteria

4.2 Tree Protection Fencing

4.3 Tree Assessment Table

4.4 Methodology for Surveying and Grading Features for Their Bat Roost Potential

5 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

5.1 Walks on the Dengie





APPENDIX 3.1 – TYPICAL TURBINE DIMENSIONS

*Note Grid frame used for shipment during operational phase and HJ frame used for shipment during construction phase


APPENDIX 3.2 – TYPICAL CRANE DIMENSIONS FOR A LEIBER LTM 1500


APPENDIX 3.3 – TYPICAL DELIVERY VEHICLE DRAWINGS

Note the tower section will comprise 3 components: upper, middle and lower.


APPENDIX 3.4 – PUBLIC HIGHWAY PRE AND POST CONDITION SURVEY METHODOLOGY

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1.1 A condition survey of the existing public highways shall be undertaken to establish a benchmark against which damage associated with the windfarm construction may be established.

1.1.2 This document identifies the methodology which will be employed to conduct the survey at the pre and post construction stages.

1.1.3 Establishment of the damage associated with the windfarm construction is subjective and should be agreed with the interested parties, based on the visual differences between the pre and post condition surveys.

1.2 Overview

The Pre and Post condition surveys will be carried out in accordance with the procedure below however in broad terms will undertaken using the following format: -

1.2.1 Highway Structures Survey - Identification of highways structures such as bridges and culverts etc

1.2.2 Pavement Survey -Location of any obvious defects in the pavement construction

1.2.3 Channel, Footpath & Verge Survey - The condition of the road channels, footpaths and verges.

1.2.4 Drainage survey - The location and condition of any highway drainage will be surveyed

1.3 Highway structures survey

1.3.1 The proposed delivery route will be driven and all highways structures such as bridges, culverts and where applicable service crossings will be identified.

1.3.2 The location of each structure will be recorded and the coordinates used to accurately plot the location of the structures on a map or drawing produced by RES.

1.3.3 Each structure will be photographed and any defects as well as the general condition shall be recorded for inclusion into the survey report. Particular attention will be paid to parapets, headwalls, load bearing members, abutments and piers.

1.3.4 It is not proposed to undertake full assessments of the structures within the scope of the survey report.

1.4 Pavement survey

1.4.1 The proposed delivery route will be driven and the construction and condition of the road pavement will be surveyed in manageable sections.

1.4.2 The general condition will be recorded and the information included in the survey report.

1.4.3 Areas of significant damage such as large potholes or collapsed service crossings will be recorded, photographed as appropriate and accurately plotted on a map or drawing produced by RES.

1.5 Channel, footpath and verge survey

1.5.1 The proposed delivery route will be driven and the road channels, footpaths and verges will be surveyed in manageable sections.

1.5.2 The general condition will be recorded and the information included in the survey report.


1.5.3 Areas of significant damage will be recorded, photographed as appropriate and accurately plotted on a map or drawing produced by RES.

1.6 Drainage Survey

1.6.1 The proposed delivery route will be driven and the highway drainage will be surveyed.

1.6.2 The general condition will be recorded giving an indication of the condition and effectiveness of the system in manageable sections. CCTV surveys of the existing drainage systems are not included within the scope of the survey report.

1.6.3 The location and condition of access chambers, gullies etc will be recorded, photographed as appropriate and included in the survey report. The locations of the ironmongery will be plotted on a map or drawing produced by RES.

1.7 Survey report

1.7.1 The survey report will consist of the information collected during the various stages of the highways condition survey, containing such drawings, photographs, field notes commentary and video footage as deemed necessary.

1.7.2 Following the completion of the windfarm the pre & post construction survey reports will be compared and a schedule of damage directly attributable to the windfarm construction will be prepared. The “defects” schedule will become the full and exhaustive list of remedial works to be undertaken by RES Construction Ltd.


APPENDIX 3.5 – TURNCOLE WIND FARM DELIVERIES TABLE

Phase Purpose Vehicle Approximate No of

Journeys for project duration

Max journey

s possible in 1 day (not all journey

s will occur in

one day)

Approximate Period of Delivery –

(Assumes 12 month

programme start Jan)

Site Set-Up Portacabin delivery Low loader

5 5 Jan

Skip delivery Low loader

3 3 Jan

Generator delivery Low loader

1 1 Jan

Water and fuel tank delivery

Low loader

1 1 Jan

Excavator delivery Low loader

1 1 Jan

Blasting equipment Low loader

1 1 Feb

Roller-compactor Low loader

1 1 Feb

Road & hard standings

Stone for site tracks Tipper trucks

1702 40 Jan – May

Stone for control building and substation compounds

Tipper trucks

64 40 Jan – May

Stone for construction compound and gatehouse

Tipper trucks

90 40 Jan – May

Stone for met mast harstanding

Tipper trucks

34 34 Jan – May

Stone for turning heads Tipper trucks

40 40 Jan – May

Stone for lay down area Tipper trucks

90 40 Jan – May

Stone for pathways Tipper trucks

8 8 May - Sept

Stone for crane hardstanding

Tipper trucks

1117 40 Jan – May

Stone for piling rig harstanding

Tipper trucks

240 40 Mar - Jul

Truckpave for hardstandings

Flat bed 15 5 Jan – May

Foundation construction


2 2 Mar

Piling Rig Low loader

1 1 Mar

Concrete for turbine foundations, piles & transformer plinths

Mixer trucks

397 50 Mar – May


Concrete for Comms & Met mast

Mixer trucks

12 12 June-Aug

Steel delivery Flat bed 21 21 Mar – May Foundation bolts or steel insert delivery

Flat bed 7 7 May

Place foundation bolt cage or steel insert

30t to 50t crane

1 1 May

Turbine erection

Tool container delivery Low Loader

4 4 Jan - Mar

Tower section delivery Extendible trailer

21 6 Sept

Blade delivery Extendible trailer

21 6 Sept

Nacelle Low loader

7 2 Sept

Met Mast Low loader

1 1 Sept

Hub and rotor Low loader

7 2 Sept

Turbine erection 1000t to 1200t crane

1 1 Sept

Turbine erection 150t to 200t crane

1 1 Sept

Cable Installation

Cable delivery Flat bed or Hiab

3 2 Jun


2 1 Jun

Cable laying Telescopic handler

2 1 Jun

Sub Station & Control Building

Concrete delivery Mixer trucks

30 50 Jul

Brick delivery Flat bed 3 3 Jul Roofing & Cladding Flat bed 3 3 Aug Switchgear Flat bed 2 2 Aug Misc electrical equipment Flat bed 3 3 Aug

Reinstatement

Removal of temporary compound & gate house stone

Tipper trucks

90 40 Oct

Removal of temporary met mast hardstanding

Tipper trucks

34 34 Oct

Removal of temporary turning head stone

Tipper trucks

40 40 Oct

Removal of temporary lay down area stone

Tipper trucks

90 40 Oct

Removal of temporary hardstanding stone

Tipper trucks

398 40 Oct

Removal of temporary piling hardstanding stone

Tipper trucks

240 40 Jun - Jul

Misc Vans, cars 3168 5 Jan – Oct


Telescopic handler

2 2 Jan – Oct

Skip lorry 88 2 Jan – Oct Small

tanker 88 2 Jan – Oct

Light goods van

176 4 Jan – Oct

Site De-mobilisation

Portacabin removal Low loader

5 5 Oct

Skip removal Low loader

3 3 Nov

Generator removal Low loader

1 1 Dec

Water and fuel tank removal

Low loader

1 1 Jan

Roller-compactor Low loader

1 1 Sept

Piling Rig Low loader

1 1 July

Excavator removal Low loader

5 5 Jan – Oct

Total * 8395


Appendix 4.1 Observations are made from ground level unless stated otherwise. Trunk diameters are measured in millimeters at 1.5m above ground or at the narrowest point between the root buttresses and branch flare in multiple trunked trees; in such cases this is indicated by [c]. Crown spreads are taken from the trunk centre to the end of the longest live branches in the directions indicated [usually the four cardinal compass points] Crown height is the clearance under the lowest significant branches. Tree ages are estimated as below, based on the normal life expectancy of a tree of the species concerned on the site: Immature [IM] Newly planted or self-set tree.

Young [Y] Young tree that is established but has not yet attained the size or form of a fully developed example of its type.

Middle aged [MA] Between one third and two thirds of its estimated lifespan.

Mature [M] Over two thirds of it's estimated life span.

Over mature

[OM] Declining and/or approaching the end of it's natural lifespan.

Dying/Dead [D] Dead/dying or so badly decayed that it should be removed without delay if a potential threat.

Vigour is assessed on the basis of what is normal for that the species concerned as: High [H] Normal [N] Low [L] Dead / dying [D] Root protection areas [RPAs] – BS5837:2012 For single trunked trees these are calculated as an area equivalent to a circle with a radius 12 times the trunk diameter at 1.5m This is to be assessed by an arboriculturalist taking into account the following factors. It may change its shape but not the overall area, whilst still providing adequate protection to the root system. The likely tolerance of the tree to root disturbance based on factors such as species,

age and condition and the presence of other trees. [For individual open grown trees it may be acceptable to offset the distance up to 20% in one direction]

The shape and disposition of the root system when known to be influenced by past or existing site conditions, such as the presence of roads, structures and underground services

The soil type and structure Topography and drainage.


TREE CATEGORIES – BASED ON BS5837: 2012, TREES IN RELATION TO CONSTRUCTION - RECOMMENDATIONS

Trees for removal

Category and definition

Identification on plan

Category U Dark Red

Those in such a condition that they cannot realistically be retained as living trees in the context of the current land use for longer than 10 years

Trees that have a serious, irremediable structural defect, such that their early loss is expected due to collapse in the foreseeable future, including any that will become unviable after the removal of other U category trees. (e.g. where, for whatever reason, the loss of companion shelter cannot be mitigated by pruning.

Trees that are dead or showing signs of significant immediate and irreversible decline.

Trees infected with pathogens significant to the health and/or safety of other trees nearby, or very low quality trees suppressing better ones nearby.

NOTE: Category U trees can have existing or potential conservation value which it might be desirable to preserve.

Trees for retention

Category and definition

Criteria – sub categories Identification on plan

1 – mainly arboricultural values

2 – mainly landscape values

3 – mainly cultural / conservation values

Category A

Trees of high quality with an estimated remaining life expectancy of at least 40 years.

Trees that are particularly good examples of their species, especially if rare or unusual; or those that are essential components of groups or formal or semi-formal arboricultural features (e.g. the dominant and/or principal trees within an avenue)

Trees, groups or woodlands of particular visual importance as arboricultural and/or landscape features

Trees, groups or woodlands of significant historical, commemorative or conservation value. (e.g. veteran trees or wood -pasture)

Light green

Category B

Trees of moderate quality with an estimated remaining life expectancy at least 20 years.

Trees that might be included in category A, but are downgraded because of impaired condition (e.g. presence of significant though remediable defects, including

Trees present in numbers, usually growing as groups or woodlands, such that they attract a higher collective rating than they might as individuals; or trees occurring as collectives but situated so as to make little visual

Trees with material conservation or other cultural benefits.

Mid blue


unsympathetic past management and storm damage), such that they are unlikely to be suitable for retention for beyond 40 years; or trees lacking the special quality necessary to merit the category A designation.

contribution to the wider locality

Category C

Trees of low quality with an estimated remaining life expectancy of at least 10 years, or young trees with a stem diameter below 150 mm

Unremarkable trees of very limited merit or such impaired condition that they do not qualify in higher categories

Trees present in groups or woodlands, but without this conferring on them significantly greater collective landscape value; and/or trees offering low or only temporary/transient landscape benefits

Trees with no material conservation or other cultural benefit.

Grey


Appendix 4.2 Tree protection fencing, after BS5837:2012


Appendix 4.3 – Assessment of impact to trees along the access route Tree no.

Species Age / vigour

Dist. m

Ht. m

Dia. mm

RPA rad m

RPA area m2

Comments Cat

The trees are described in order from west to east along the route and numbered on the site plans at fig 3.2. Detail sub headings are from the plan, some details have no trees, so there are gaps in the numbering. Distances are measured from the edge of the carriageway surface [not the white line] to the centre of the trunk. Trunk diameters of some inaccessible trees are estimated.

DETAIL 1

1 Leyland cypress x Cupressocyparis Leylandii

MA/N 9 12 400 4.8 73 Healthy, set well back from the road and most of the surface between is hard surfaced.

Unaffected.

C 1

DETAIL 2

2 Austrian pine Pinus nigra nigra

M/N 7 12 420 5 80 Leans heavily towards the road, could not be inspected closely but is healthy looking and that appears to be long standing. Small bushy ash in front will inhibit root growth towards the road, which has a new bank along the edge. Widening extends slightly in to RPA.

Unaffected.

C 1

3 Oak Quercus robur

Y/N 5.7 9 270 3.2 33 One sided due to other trees, otherwise sound and healthy, a small part of the RPA is in the widened zone, but in practice few roots are likely to be present there.

Unaffected.

C 1

4 Oak Quercus robur

MA/N 5 10 320 400

6.1 118 Twin trunked, one sided but healthy. Part of RPA is in widened zone, but the existing bank will have inhibited root growth.

Unlikely to be affected.

C 1


Tree no.


Dist. m

Ht. m

Dia. mm

RPA rad m

RPA area m2

Comments Cat

DETAIL 3

5 Oak Quercus robur

M/N 6 10 800 9.6 290 Growing behind front hedge, mature but reasonably healthy, road needs to be widened for the bend but that occurs on the other side.

Unaffected.

B 1

6 Oak Quercus robur

M/L 3.3 12 1100 13 548 Similar, but closer to the carriageway and has sparse foliage and die back in the crown.

Unaffected.

C 1

The far [E] side of the road is lined by a dense row of young elms, many dead or dying, with a mature ash growing among them. Some would be lost to the widening but none are significant specimens, particularly compared with the oaks. 7 Oak

Quercus robur M/N 3 13 800 9.6 290 Healthy specimen. Near the road and on the E side but is well to the north of the

widened area and set back behind the ditch.

Unaffected.

B 1

DETAIL 5

8 Oak Quercus robur

M/N 4.5 16 1100 13 548 Set well back from the road in a private garden behind a wall. Part of the RPA is under the carriageway but there is likely to be little root growth there. Has been pruned over the road before, has some minor branch ends below 5m.

Unaffected, although overhang above the carriageway might need light trimming.

B 1

9 Oak Quercus robur

M/N 2 12 700 8.4 222 Has heavy ivy on the trunk but is healthy looking. Most of the RPA off road or under existing hard surface, with only minor changes near the trunk.

Not likely to be affected and can be protected by fencing, some side growth might need trimming.

C 1


Tree no.


Dist. m

Ht. m

Dia. mm

RPA rad m

RPA area m2

Comments Cat

DETAIL 8

10 Oak Quercus robur

M/N 4 13 1000 12 452 Has some ivy but is healthy looking. Set back from the road behind a ditch about 300mm deep and has some large limbs fairly low over the carriageway. Road is widened, but not far beyond existing carriageway.

Can be protected with suitable fence.

B 1

The opposite side of the road is mainly mixed hedge species, widening on that side instead would reduce pressure on this tree.

DETAIL 9


MA/N 3.5 10 380 4.6 65 Set back beyond ditch, young and not very close to the proposed widening.

Not likely to be affected can be protected by fencing.

B 1


MA/N 3.5 12 650 7.8 190 Also set back behind the ditch, some widening near it but not much beyond the existing carriageway edge.

Unlikely to be significantly affected, can protect.

B 1

13 Ash Fraxinus excelsior

MA/N 2 9 250 300

4.7 61 Bushy specimen growing in the edge of the ditch. Just beyond the end of the proposed widening.

Not affected but not a particularly outstanding specimen.

C 1

DETAIL 10


M/L 4.3 16 800 9.6 290 Set well back from the road and no widening proposed here. Has a large limb over the road, but clearance under this is 6 - 7m.


B 1

15 Goat willow Salix caprea

M/N 3 8 250 av.

3.0 28 Base is set well back from the road in low lying wet ground. Side growth extends out over bend opposite T junction.

Will need cutting back but that would be necessary in any event.

C 1


Tree no.


Dist. m

Ht. m

Dia. mm

RPA rad m

RPA area m2

Comments Cat

DETAIL 11

16 3 no. oak Quercus robur

MA/N 2 - 2.3

6 - 10

120 - 450

5.4 92 Group of bushy, relatively young trees on the edge of the ditch. Some low branches extend part way across the road but no widening proposed here.

Might need minor pruning to clear the carriageway.

C 1

17 Hawthorn group Crataegus monogyna

M/N 2.5 7 150 av.

1.8 10 Bushy specimens, set back beyond shallow ditch, might be affected by overfly.

Might need light trimming of side growth.

C 1

DETAIL 12


MA/N 2.5 10 2x 250

4.2 57 On road side bank of the ditch, but no widening proposed here, minor branches extend over carriageway.


C 1


MA/N 2.7 9 300 3.6 41 On road side bank of the ditch near entrance to Fairfield. Has had a branch over the entrance broken off, otherwise fair, no widening proposed here.


C 1


MA/N 2 10 270 260

4.5 64 Pair of trees on the ditch side near the same entrance, little low overhang no widening near it near it.


C 1


MA/N 2 13 320 3.8 46 On road side bank of the ditch opposite Homestead. No widening near it.


C 1


MA/N 2.5 14 380 4.6 65 Close to the previous one, also on the road side of the ditch.


C 1


MA/N 3.2 13 300 3.6 41 In front of Appleby, on the far side of the ditch, possibly their tree. One trunk of a group, the rest having been felled. No widening proposed here, first main branches well above ground.

Not unduly vulnerable.

C 1


Tree no.


Dist. m

Ht. m

Dia. mm

RPA rad m

RPA area m2

Comments Cat


Y/N 1.5 9 200 250

3.8 46 Growing hedge with no ditch, no widening proposed here.


C 1

25 Austrian pine Pinus nigra nigra

Y/N 5 9 250 3.0 28 Young tree, set well back behind hedge.

Unaffected.

C 1


MA/N 4.5 10 550 6.6 137 Has some low branches broken by high vehicles, otherwise good.

Might need light trimming of low / side growth.

B 1


Y/N 0.3 8 150 1.8 10 Poor young specimen, right on the edge of the road, base has already been damaged by vehicles. Would be affected by widening but has no potential anyway.

Remove.

U


MA/N 1.5 15 450 5.4 92 Set back from the road on a hedge bank, has quite extensive die back in the top. No widening beyond existing carriageway here.

Not affected, but not a good specimen and has limited potential.

C 1

There are also several semi mature ashes in the hedgerow on the other side of the road from this tree. None are outstanding at present but they are healthy and have good potential.

DETAIL 13

29 Lombardy poplar Populus nigra italica

Y/N 2.2 14 150 1.8 10 Young specimen in hedge behind ditch, slightly overfly at this point.


C 1

30 Black poplar Populus x euramericana

Y/N 2.4 12 2 x 280

4.8 71 Narrow fork between the main limbs, otherwise healthy.

Unaffected.

C 1

31 Black poplar Populus x euramericana

Y/N 2 12 200 2.4 18 Set back in the hedge, leans heavily over the field.

Unaffected but safe useful life is limited.

C 1 [U]


Tree no.


Dist. m

Ht. m

Dia. mm

RPA rad m

RPA area m2

Comments Cat

32 Oaks Quercus robur

MA/N 1.5 - 2

10 - 12

150 - 350

4.2 55 Row of relatively young hedgerow trees on the road side of the ditch, some lower branches have been damaged by vehicles. No outstanding individuals but group is a prominent feature, hence B category. No widening here but there is likely to be some overfly.

Roots systems unaffected but might need light trimming for clearance.

B 2

33 Oak & ash Quercus robur Fraxinus excelsior

MA/N 1.5 - 2.5

10 - 12

150 - 350

4.2 55 Similar to the previous group, no real ditch between them and the road, but former widening in this section is now on the far side of the road.

Unaffected directly can be protected with fencing during road widening.

B 2


MA/N 2 13 200 320

4.5 64 Healthy but leans very heavily over the road, hazard to existing traffic and will be an obstruction.

Remove.

U

35 Blackthorn Prunus spinosa

M/N 2 - 2.5

5 - 6 100 - 200

2.4 18 Dense hedge, lower growth has been cut back but there is no signs of regular topping or trimming, shallow ditch between it and the road. Road is widened on this side.

Potentially affected by widening, could be cut back and reduced in size to mitigate any adverse effects.

C 2


MA/N 2 9 250 3.0 28 Part of a coppice group one stem leans very heavily across the road more or less opposite and is an obstruction and safety hazard.

Remove.

U


M/N 4 17 800 9.6 290 Has some ivy but is sound and healthy looking. No widening this side now.

Unaffected, will be behind any fence round 33

B 1

DETAIL 14


M/N 0.5 17 830 10 312 Some ivy but healthy looking. Near the carriageway but widening here is minor.


B 1


MA/N 1.5 12 320 3.8 46 Slight lean away from the road, no work proposed here.


C 1


Tree no.


Dist. m

Ht. m

Dia. mm

RPA rad m

RPA area m2

Comments Cat

40 Leyland cypress x Cupressocyparis Leylandii

MA/N 2.5 6 200 - 250

3.0 28 Trimmed hedge growing on the far side of the ditch. No widening proposed here and does not overhang the carriageway.

Unaffected.

C 1


M/N 2.5 15 650 7.8 191 Healthy mature specimen growing on the far edge of the ditch. No widening at this point, first main branches are well above the carriageway.

Unaffected.

B 1


M/N 2.5 16 850 10 327 Healthy mature specimen on the far edge of the ditch. No widening at this point.

Unaffected.

B 1


MA/N 1.8 10 320 280 200

5.6 100 Misshapen but healthy, slight overhang of minor branch ends, but lower trunk curves towards the carriageway.

Might need minor trimming of side growth.

C 1


MA/L 2.7 7 290 3.5 38 On the far side of the road side ditch. Sparse foliage, otherwise fair.


C 1


MA/N 3 9 300 3.6 41 Also on the ditch edge, healthier looking than 44.


C 1


MA/N 3.5 15 720 8.6 234 Wide spreading tree, set back next to the junction with Seamer Road. Some overfly but no widening.

Lower side growth might need minor trimming.

B 1


MA/N 2 15 650 7.8 191 Fairly heavy ivy but sound and healthy looking. No carriageway work here.


B 1


MA/N 2.5 10 350 4.2 56 Next to entrance, existing hard surface near the base. Some overfly near it, but is well back from the main road with little overhang.


C 1


MA/N 2 12 400 4.8 72 Also next to an entrance with hard surface near most of the base, some low overhanging branches.

Lower side growth might need trimming.

C 1


Tree no.


Dist. m

Ht. m

Dia. mm

RPA rad m

RPA area m2

Comments Cat

50 Hawthorn hedge Crataegus monogyna

M/N 3 6 100 - 200

2.4 13 Front boundary of Woodside, set back behind a ditch. Also has some blackthorn, side growth has been trimmed but not the top. Some widening proposed here, not quite across the ditch.


C 2


MA/N 4 13 150 1.8 10 Set well back in the hedge beyond the ditch in the garden of Woodside, could not be inspected closely, but is healthy looking. Some widening about as far as the ditch edge, most of the active root system will be in the garden beyond.

Can be protected with fencing.

C 1


MA/N 4 18 300 3.6 40 Also set well back in the hedge.


C 1

53 Lombardy poplar Populus nigra italic

MA/N 4 400 av.

18 av.

4.8 72 Small group, also set well back in the hedge.


C 1

54 Various MA/N 2.7 150 - 400

6 - 18

4.8 72 Mixed hedgerow with Lombardy poplars and some ashes, all on the far side of the ditch. No widening here, only slight overfly.

Unaffected.

C 2

DETAIL 15

55 Norway spruce Picea abies

Y/N 2.5 9 250 3.0 20 Healthy specimen, set well back in a garden behind the hedge.

Unaffected.

C 1

56 Bhutan pine Pinus wallichiana

Y/N 3 12 150 1.8 10 Healthy tree set well back from the road, beyond the proposed widening.

Unaffected.

C 1

57 Monterey pine Pinus radiate

Y/N 3 12 250 3.0 28 Also a healthy young specimen well back within the garden.

Unaffected.

C 1


Tree no.


Dist. m

Ht. m

Dia. mm

RPA rad m

RPA area m2

Comments Cat


MA/N 3 12 5 x 200

5.4 90 Coppiced and grown on, set back behind the ditch which has sleepers forming the bank at this point, which will tend to block root growth. Some low overhanging growth. Some widening but is on the far side of the road.

Roots not affected, but low growth over the carriageway might need minor trimming for clearance.

B 1

From here to the junction with the B1021 the only trees are relatively small and set well back from the carriageway, which becomes straighter and wider, so they are highly unlikely to be affected in any way. A short section of low elm hedge needs to be removed to widen the turn at the junction, but that is not significant. The road south into Burnham on Crouch is much wider, with no potential problems until the turn east into Marsh Lane.

DETAIL 18

59 Purple Norway maple Acer platanoides

MA/N 2.7 15 510 6.1 117 Leans slightly over the road and has a small wound at the base, otherwise healthy, set well back on a level verge.

Unaffected.

B 1

60 Lime Tilia x europaea

MA/N 2.1 13 520 6.2 124 Set back on the verge near the outside of the bend. Has sparse foliage and some ivy, otherwise good.

Unaffected.

B 1

DETAIL 21/22

61 Various young trees

Y/N 3 - 3.5

4 - 7 50 - 250

3.0 28 Row of 19 copper beech and common lime, planted on the verge, probably in the last 10 - 20 years. Most are growing well, although a few have been replaced. Set well back with minimal overhang and no carriageway changes are proposed here.

Unaffected.

B 2

62 Horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum

M/N 4.5 8 520 6.2 124 Older than the other trees but not pollarded like the other chestnuts across the road. No work proposed here.

Unaffected.

B 1


M/N 3.5 5 600 7.2 163 Pollarded at about 4m in the last year or so and growing on vigorously.

Could be affected by widening, although pollarding will mitigate the effects of root loss / damage, can also be protected by fencing.

C 1


Tree no.


Dist. m

Ht. m

Dia. mm

RPA rad m

RPA area m2

Comments Cat


M/N 4 5 5x 200

5.4 90 Pollarded like the previous one and growing on. Near the end of the widened section where it tapers down.


C 1


M/N 4 5 510 6.1 117 Pollarded like the others, bleeding from the trunk, indicating possible canker but the foliage is healthy looking at present. Slight overfly at this point but the crown is well clear of the road.

Unaffected.

C 1


M/N 4.5 6 590 7.1 157 Also pollarded and growing on, well back from the road only slight overfly at this point.

Unaffected.

C 1


M/N 5.8 15 730 8.8 242 Not pollarded, but has been cut back to clear overhead cables. Minor widening proposed here but the tree is well back.

Not significantly affected, can be protected with fencing.

B 1

DETAIL 23

68 Weeping willow Salix babylonica

M/N 8 16 860 10 334 Healthy mature specimen. Some widening here, the farm wall opposite prevents this being done on the far side of the road, but rooting conditions in every direction away from the road are good.

Some root loss but the tree can be protected by fencing and crown reduced to mitigate any effects.

B 1

69 Weeping willow Salix babylonica

M/N 11 15 670 8.0 202 Has been cut back to clear the 11,000 volt cables. Farther back from the road edge, smaller and also has ample root growth space in other directions.

Less likely to be affected, will need regular reduction to maintain clearance from the cables, which will also mitigate root disturbance. Can also be fenced.

C 1


M/N 14 6 540 6.5 132 Has been topped to maintain clearance from the high voltage cables. Well back from the widened part of the road.

Unaffected, but will need regular recutting.

C 1


Tree no.


Dist. m

Ht. m

Dia. mm

RPA rad m

RPA area m2

Comments Cat


M/N 10 18 920 11 385 Not pollarded. Foliage is healthy, but it has evidence of decay round most the base. The fungi were badly decayed but look like honey fungus [Armillaria spp.], which can decay deep roots and destabilise trees.

Minor widening nearby, not likely to affect roots significantly, but the decay should be investigated in more detail to assess the tree’s safe life expectancy.

C 1 / U


M/N 5 17 1100 13 545 Has some major broken branches and dead wood, otherwise reasonably sound. This side of the road is widened slightly, first branches are well above the carriageway.

Not significantly affected can be protected with fencing.

B 1


M/N 4.5 16 800 9.6 290 Mature but sound and healthy looking for its age, minor widening nearby, beyond this tree it takes place on the far side of the road.

No significantly affected can be protected with fencing.

B 1


M/N 3.5 16 780 9.4 275 Healthy looking mature specimen, no widening or overfly here.

Unaffected.

B 1


M/N 2 16 670 8.0 202 Slightly smaller than the others, possibly slightly younger, but is sound and healthy looking.

Unaffected.

B 1


M/N 3 12 920 11.0 385 Has lost a large part of its top in the past. Foliage is healthy looking but there is likely to be decay in old wounds.

Unaffected.

C 1

77 Norway maple Acer platanoides

MA/N 5 10 400 4.8 72 Younger than the chestnuts, healthy specimen.

Unaffected.

B 1


MA/N 5 10 350 4.2 56 Healthy specimen, younger than the others.

Unaffected.

B 1


M/N 5 18 920 11 385 Slightly sparse foliage, otherwise fair.

Unaffected.

B 1


Tree no.


Dist. m

Ht. m

Dia. mm

RPA rad m

RPA area m2

Comments Cat


D 5.5 17 860 10 334 Leans over the road, has very sparse foliage and major fungal decay at the base. Dying and is a threat to the road.

Fell for safety.

U


MA/N 5 10 400 4.8 72 Healthy vigorous specimen.

Unaffected.

B 1

Beyond here there is a prominent row of mature ashes on the south side of the road, but these are set well back so will not be affected.

DETAIL 24

82 Crack willow Salix fragilis

M/N 3.5 10 800 1000

15 717 On the drain bank about 3.5m from the bridge rail. Has possibly been pollarded in the past and has also suffered major damage leading to extensive decay. Further collapse is likely although most of the weight is on the far side from the road.

Not likely to be affected unless there are major bridge alterations. Should be reduced to reduce the risk of it failing and blocking the road, which will also mitigate any root damage.

C 1 [U]

DETAIL 29

83 Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna

M/N 2 5 - 6 50 - 150

1.8 10 Hedge, mainly hawthorn with some blackthorn. Healthy but there are no signs of major recent cutting.

Several metres at the E end would need to be removed to accommodate the re routed road just after Twizzlefoot bridge, although the overall effect would not be great, given the amount that would remain.

C 1


Tree no.


Dist. m

Ht. m

Dia. mm

RPA rad m

RPA area m2

Comments Cat

DETAIL 33

84 Golden Leyland cypresses x Cupressocyparis Leylandii ‘Castlewellan’

MA/N 2.5 - 3

10 - 12

250 - 350

4.2 56 Group of trees in front of the farm bungalow. Reasonably healthy although some have die back in the top, possibly due to Coryneum canker, a fungal disease. Crowns almost reach the road, but are not an obstruction. Road is widened near the entrance but this is all on the far side and the branch ends are back from the carriageway edge.

Unaffected.

C 2


Appendix 4.4 – Methodology For surveying and grading features for their bat roost potential

Table A1: Tree assessment methodology

Methodology

Bats use many different features in trees for places of shelter and roosting. Each tree was subject to a 360 degree survey (where practicable). Features that are observed, noted and graded (in accordance with criteria in Table A2) during the 360 degree tree surveys include:

cracks and crevices, especially those with upward-leading cavities

significant areas of loose bark with space behind appropriate for bats to shelter

holes (including rot holes, boss holes and woodpecker holes), especially with horizontal or upward-leading cavities

splits, perhaps resulting from drought or lightening strikes

an absence of branches and vegetation immediately below and surrounding the cavity entrance

dark stains running down the tree, below the hole

stains around the hole resulting from the deposition of oil secretions in bat fur

odours or noise characteristic of bats coming from within the hole or scratch marks around the hole entrance (resulting from bat claw holds)

bat droppings below or within the hole


APPENDIX 5.1

Welcome to the Dengie 100

Marshland Group o

Walks

VILLAGE INDEX The Sea Wall Walk 20+ miles

A sea wall extends around the perimeter of the Dengie 100 with walking in either direction from North Fambridge in the Southnorth. Shorter walks can be gained at various stages on the sea wall.

Burnham on Crouch - Creeksea 3 miles The walk starts in the spacious High Street opposite the Clock Tower which was erected in 1877 by public subscription to the

Sweeting who was a philanthropic local resident. Walk along High Street to the East passing quaint red brick or Essex Weather board cottages . At the Victoria Inn turn right in

until you reach the Quay. To the left you will see the imposing Royal Corinthian Yacht Club which is one of the most senior yacht clubs in the

Turn west on the Quay past the Royal Burnham Yacht Club and the Town Steps where you will have to resist the temptatioCruise or enjoy a drink at the Olde White Harte Hotel.

Follow the winding Quay past Millfields Recreation Park and you will arrive at Burnham Yacht Harbour, which will be full of small yachts to ocean going racing yachts.

The footpath will take you around the Yacht Harbour and through the yard . On the far side of the Yacht Harbour stands the lifeboat house which is home to an Atlantic Class Lifeboat and an inshore r

The footpath now enters the country with fields to the right and the River to the left. Continuing along this path good views are obtained of Essex Yacht Harbour and the Baltic Wharf on the other bank o

Keep our eyes open for bird life as the area attracts many rare species of waders and sea birds. After about one mile the fields give way to large houses with the lovely timber framed Elizabethan Cottage bringing to onto t

Road at Creeksea Quay. Follow Ferry Road to the north passing historic Creeksea Place then under a railway bridge with Burnham Golf Club t

Opposite the Club house to Burnham Golf Club take the right turn and follow for about 100 yards until you reach a small churcAlmost opposite the church hall is a style with footpath leading to the east.

Take the footpath for about 500 yards through fields of arable crops to reach a kissing gate on the railway line. Cross the railwathen turn to the east following the railway line for about 500 yards until the path reaches a metalled road.

Cross the road into Burnham Country Park which stretches to the South , with lovely views over the River .Walk through the Country Park to the Riverbank then turn left and retrace your route on the sea wall to your start

On the way along the Quay you may like to enjoy well earned refreshments at the tea rooms or Public Houses who cater for tra

Fambridge to Althorne - Approx 5 miles

Start the walk from Ferry Road , North Fambridge outside the e Ferry Boat Inn continue past the Inn onto the sea wall. Turn sea wall. On the left is Essex Wildlife's reserve - Blue House Farm which is 660 acres of marshland teeming with wildlife rangcorn buntings, hares and water voles. Wading birds of all shapes and sizes can be seen which include flocks of Brent Geese o

their Siberian summer homes. After about 2 miles to the sea side is the remains of Bridgemarsh Island which was farmed until it was flooded in 1928 killing aforcing the farmer, Stan Clarke, to move onto the mainland. Since then the sea has further eroded the island which has caused

into the River Crouch. To the far end of the island is Bridgemarsh Marina which has an interesting mix of old and new yachts and structures. Turn

and follow the unmade road for about 1/2 mile until you reach Althorne Railway Station. From her catch a train back to North Station.

Leave the station and turn left walking through North Fambridge village until you return to the Ferryboat InI suggest that your efforts will have given you an appetite to enter the Inn and sample some of the fine food and refreshm

Restaurant Deals Up To 80% off Restaurants In Billericay with Wowcher wowcher.co.uk/BillericayFood

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Page 1 of 2Walks

13/06/2012http://www.dengie.org.uk/walks.htm

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A circle of Tillingham - About 30 minutes Park in the Village Square outside the Fox and Hounds Public House. Cross the road to the attractive Essex Weatherboard P

and Feathers Inn and walk along Vicarage Lane . Continue along this road to Stows Farm where the track becomes unmade athe farm yard. Continue past the farm building looking out for small planes landing at the air strip. Continue past the gravel pthe track. where you are sure to see large amounts of wildlife. After about 1/2 mile to will reach a metalled road ( Reddings Lafollow the road for about 500 yards until to reach the St Peters Way footpath on the right. Follow this signed track across fieldsvillage of Tillingham where you can return to your car and choose whether to take refreshment in the Cap and Feathers of Fox

Leaflets on walks in the Dengie 100

Leaflet Price Available From

Dengie Coastal Walks

Various Paths in the Dengie area 20 p

Maldon District Council & Tourists information at Maldand Burnham

The Pillbox Trail

4 mile walk around the WW2 defences

20 p Maldon District Council & Tourists information at Mald

and Burnham

Footpath guide to Bradwell on Sea

a 7 mile circular walk free Sue Spiers & Bradwell Parish Council

Recreational walks in Purleigh 75p Purleigh Parish Council

Rural Discovery Church Footpath Guides

3 leaflets on walks around St Lawrence

50p St Lawrence Discovery Church

Walks around Tillingham

6 walks around Tillingham` £2 Ways through Essex- Essex County Council

St Peters Way

long distance walk from Bradwell on Sea to Chipping Ongar

£1.20 Ways through Essex - Essex County Council

Search

Web www.dengie.org.uk

Page 2 of 2Walks

13/06/2012http://www.dengie.org.uk/walks.htm


APPENDIX 5.2

25. Tillingham Marshes to Burnham on CrouchPosted on September 18, 2010

Leading East from Tillingham is a narrow road – a track really. It winds around a few

bends and, opposite a telephone box, there is an impressive farm entrance. Next to this

farm entrance, so insignificant in appearance you can easily miss it, is a small track

leading directly due East. At a bend in this track, is a signpost. Here starts a public right

of way that runs for a mile, passing through Tillingham Marshes, to the sea wall.

Why am I taking this route? The coast path itself runs uninterrupted for 17 miles from

Bradwell Marina to Burnham on Crouch. South of St Peter’s Chapel, there is no other

place in the Dengie Peninsula where a public road comes within a mile of, and gives

footpath access to, the coastal path; not until you reach Burnham on Crouch itself.

Therefore, I am rejoining the walk at this unlikely spot to make this section of the walk a manageable distance.

Burnham is now only 9 miles away.

The footpath runs for a mile, and has been diverted by the farmer, taking a course further South then the route

marked on the map and involving a right angle turn around the bottom of a field. Very few people walk this path

and the route is unclear. Luckily, I have been here before and I find, among the tall grasses, the small bridge that

crosses the culvert. Then I make the short climb to regain the coastal path running along the top of the grassy

bank.

Initially I enjoy the walk. Being up on the bank, close to the sea, breathing fresh air, gives

me a an energy boost. The sun is shining and it is unseasonably hot for September.

To my left are marshes, covered in uniform green vegetation. They stretch almost as far as

the eye can see. Beyond is a small sliver of shining sea and the distant glimpse of an

occasional big cargo ship. To my right is a grassy track running parallel to the sea bank,

then a watery culvert and then farmland – flat and featureless. I see nobody.

The sea wall seems endless. The view is monotonous.

I am bored and my energy drains away. This is hard work.

Then I reach an area where the grassy bank gives way to a concrete wall and path. Here

the sea comes nearer and there is mud with interesting patterns. I must be bored, I

think to myself, if I find mud interesting. But the mud makes a welcome change from

the featureless marsh vegetation and I enjoy looking at the patterns – the sinuous

curves, the ripples and the furrows.

I stop for lunch on an area of wall that has been widened to form a semicircle. A handy,

nearby blackberry bush provides a tasty dessert. And, what a relief, I can see the

glimmer of the beginning of the River Crouch ahead of me. That distant view of the

river tells me I am near the end of this stretch of walk.

Ruth's Coastal Walk (UK) My walk around the British coastline, in stages.

Page 1 of 425. Tillingham Marshes to Burnham on Crouch | Ruth's Coastal Walk (UK)

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Looking back the way I have travelled, I am amazed to find that I can still see St

Peter’s Chapel. And beyond I can just make out the Blackwater River. But wait;

there is something very odd here. The river level seems unusually high, higher than

the sea level beyond it. And appears to be flooding the far bank. I can see bushes, or

trees, with their roots apparently hidden by the water.

With the telephoto lens of my camera, I have a clearer

view of the far bank of the river, with trees and bushes

floating above hazy, blue water. And a sailing ship

hovering, almost in mid-air. Very strange. Are my eyes

playing tricks?

Then I realise. This is a mirage. A genuine mirage.

I linger to take photos and enjoy this rare and intriguing phenomena.

A few miles further on, I come across another strange sight.

There is a gate across the concrete path. And the gate is decorated. It is

covered in objects; ordinary objects such as a single flip-flop sandal, a

sock, an empty can of lager, a pair of trousers, a number of trainers and,

most incongruous of all, a white plastic chair.

I wonder if this is debris left over from some event. Or has each walker

simply added something of their own to the gate, just as walkers in the

hills add stones to a pile at the top of a peak? I consider adding some item

of my own, but I have nothing spare in my rucksack; travelling light and

carrying nothing unnecessary.

Continuing, I reach the mouth of the River Crouch and enjoy watching the sailing boats.

Along the bank of the river I come across defensive structures from the 2nd world war –

pill-boxes. In some places, I notice a duo of pill boxes, with one facing the river and the

other facing inland, both built into the river bank, back to back.

And here, in the fields, is a bigger structure that I

believe must date from the war, but I am not sure.

There are holes for guns and for keeping lookout.

The buiding has a hexagonal shape giving 360

degree coverage of the surrounding countryside.

I enjoy this section of the walk. There is plenty to see. It is cooler now, the sun is behind

clouds, and there is a strange, pale-blue light, giving an ethereal appearance to the water

and the sailing ships on the river. There is hardly any wind. The tide is out and there are

no waves. The ships move lazily across the water.

Seeing some large, white, circular objects in the grass, I stop to investigate. These turn

out to be enormous mushrooms. They look edible. In fact, they look delicious. I must be

getting hungry. I balance my iPhone on the top of one. It is as large as a dinner plate. You

could feed a whole family from this one mushroom.

Continuing, I reach the outskirts of Burnham on Crouch. There is a path along the river

front, weaving between shipyards, running along the back of the yacht club, and cutting



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through small alleyways. Pubs overlook the river and there are people out

enjoying an early evening drink. After the emptiness of the Dengie area, I am

excited by the people and the energy of this vibrant little town.

This is the end of my journey. Tonight we are staying in a pub in the town.

Tomorrow, I am planning to take the ferry across to Wallasea Island and the next

phase of my journey along the winding Essex coastline.

Miles walked = 11

Mirages seen = 1

Boring time = 2 hrs

Interesting time = all the rest

This entry was posted in 04 Essex and tagged Blackwater, britain, british, coast, coastal, Dengie, england, Essex, Essex Coast, marsh, mirage, mushrooms, photography, pill

box, public right of way, River Crouch, Tillingham, UK, walk, walker, walking. Bookmark the permalink.

2 Responses to 25. Tillingham Marshes to Burnham on Crouch

jeffrey Knowles says: October 26, 2010 at 5:30 pm

My wife and I need the same walk on Saturday 23 Oct. But from Burnham – on – Crouch to Tillingham. Very enjoyable ,

apart from a nearly serious incident with a heard of cows in a field. We were surround up 12 large cows and pushed into a

barbed wire fence, which we managed to scramble over. The Public Foot path , which we thought we were on, was very badly

signposted. This occurred about 2 miles from Tillingham.

Reply

ruthl says: October 27, 2010 at 9:29 am

Oh, how unpleasant. I feel very nervous in a field of cows, as you may have gathered from reading my blog. Did the

cows have calves with them? I understand they can become quite aggressive if defending a calf.

Poor signposting of footpaths is a real problem. I have noticed some farmers are really kind and considerate, while

others seem to make it as difficult as possible to cross their land.

Glad you enjoyed the rest of your walk. I was amazed to find such a large area of unspoiled and remote

countryside, so close to London.



Ruth's Coastal Walk (UK)

Reply

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APPENDIX 5.3

Home•Cruise•Hotels•Destinations•London•Holiday Types•News•Deals•Ultratravel•

UK•Europe•North America•Central America/Caribbean•S America•Africa/Indian Ocean•Asia•Australia/Pacific•Middle East•

Essex: A day out with Mr Day

Christopher Somerville revisits a mystical landscape he first encountered as a boy

12:00AM GMT 21 Nov 1998

Comment (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/uk/easternengland/721418/Essex-A-day-out-with-Mr-Day.html#disqus_thread)

AS so often, it was childhood reading that first opened my mind to the charms of the Essex marshlands. Not that J Wentworth Day's Sporting Adventure,

about 20 years old and long out of print when I got hold of it in the 1950s, was specific about places: for him it was "the island of the Dane", and "the estuary

with no town upon its banks".

Mr Day - I pictured him as lean, dry, enormously capable with dog, gun and rod - wrote magically of frozen winter dawns punt-gunning in a gut on the

saltings, of sea walls and mud flats, and of "the best marsh in all Essex, where the fleets are wide and silent, the reed beds are deep, the old decoy gleams,

and the gulls quarrel at their nesting".

What were fleets and saltings? What was a gut, or an old decoy? Where was this enchanted place called Essex? I didn't know, and didn't care. I was

hooked - deeply in love at 10 years old with the wild, lonely, other-worldly marsh landscape caught by Mr Day and his illustrator, the thrillingly-named "Fish-

hawk".

It took over 30 years for me to identify "the best marsh in all Essex", and by that time I had got to know the saltings and mud flats, the decoy pools, the

marshes and curious weatherboarded villages of Dengie on my own account. The blunt-nosed peninsula, pushing out east between the parallel estuaries of

Crouch and Blackwater, is less than an hour's journey from central London - a moodily haunting retreat on the capital's own doorstep, overlooked and

ignored.

Two agreeable small towns form the gateway to Dengie. On the north, Maldon with its red-sailed barges and steep streets stands at the landward end of the

Blackwater estuary. Burnham-on-Crouch in the south, red-roofed and full of creaky old-fashioned shops, lies halfway down the Crouch's narrow estuary.

East of these towns is where the Dengie of J Wentworth Day and "Fish-hawk" begins, a huge plate of 11,000 reclaimed acres of arable marshland bounded

by 40 miles of sea walls and a vast spread apron of lonely salt marsh and mud flats.

Dengie dwellers reclaimed the marshes from early medieval times. The original shoreline follows, very roughly, the course of the B1021 road from Burnham

to Bradwell - a rise of ground on which a string of villages came into being. The pre-enclosure inhabitants of Southminster, Asheldham, Dengie, Tillingham

and Bradwell were true marshmen. Wildfowlers, duck-netters, fishermen, reed-cutters, they lived a wholly self-reliant life, a hard and precarious existence.

After the sea walls were built around sections of marsh, the sea water pumped out and the gradually desalinating silt brought under cultivation, the Dengie

villages turned to more formal agriculture and a healthier way of life. Eventually they found themselves free from the curse of the "marsh-ague", or malarial

fever, commented on by Daniel Defoe in his Journal of a Tour Through the Whole of Britain.

In the 1720s, records Defoe, local men would take a young wife from the uplands, "healthy, fresh and clear, and well; but when they came out of their native

air into the marshes among the fogs and damps, there they presently changed their complexion, got an ague or two, and seldom held it above a half a year,

or a year at most." Then, said Defoe's pragmatic Essex interviewee, "we go to the uplands and get another."

The old marsh farms, West, Middle and East Wick, Wraywick, Bridgewick, Landwick, Weatherwick - perch out along rough roads in the vast emptiness of

Dengie. Their names retain that Anglo-Saxon wick ("dairy farm"), recalling the ancient practice of grazing sheep on the marshes for their milk and cheese.

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The only analogy that really captures the isolation of these easternmost farms of Dengie, marooned in their Brobdingnagian swathes of crops, is of ships at

anchor in a dark green sea.

The sea wall, though, is where the true wildness of Dengie is properly appreciated. I first set out to walk the long sea wall path from Bradwell to Burnham on

a November morning that J Wentworth Day would have relished: intense cold, a threat of snow in a yellow sky, a skin of ice in the creeks.

Once past the grim grey cubes of Bradwell's nuclear power station, the dark-bellied Brent geese dominated the day. Freshly arrived from Siberia, they

brought with them the feeling of winter, with their characteristic hound-like bark as they came skating down to land on the Blackwater's tideline.

The wind was whipping in from the north-east as only a Dengie wind can, cutting to the bone anyone - like myself - foolish enough to risk the sea-wall path.

With frozen fingers I got the binoculars on enough Brent geese to satisfy myself that they were properly at home in their winter quarters.

Then I was glad to call a halt to the walk at St Peter's-on-the-Wall, and make inland for the Green Man, Bradwell's old smuggler's pub above the waterfront.

On my most recent visit, I saw St Peter's in mellow spring sunshine. A clutch of sharp showers rode inland on a brisk sea wind. The sun lit the craggy walls

of the barn-like chapel, striking warm red colours from Roman tiles embedded in doorways and windows. The oldest church still in use in Britain stands

much as St Cedd built it in AD 654 - scrambled together by the saint and his assistants out of what lay around at the time, mainly odds and ends from the

Romans' shore fortification, known as Othona.

Othona lives on here at the wind-scoured tip of Dengie - in name, anyway, as an inter-denominational Christian community which has its own tranquil and

tree-guarded patch next to the chapel. A hundred and fifty pilgrims from Hackney - black, brown, yellow and pink; Methodist, atheist, Catholic, Anglican -

arrived to admire the Saxon building as I left it to walk south into the wild world of the Dengie salt marshes and mud flats.

Two entirely different landscapes exist side-by-side in Dengie, separated by the slim line of the sea wall. To the landward lie the lonely wick farms on their

convoluted roads. The reclaimed marshes around them are entirely given over to intensive arable farming.

To the seaward stretch the marshes - a drab brown and pale green table-land of vegetation packed tight above thick Essex mud. In those mud flats live

countless millions of invertebrates, a food store for coastal ducks, geese and wading birds.

A crook-limbed tern sailed the wind, balancing against it with infinitely subtle adjustments of tail and wings. Out beyond the gleaming muds of St Peter's Flat,

a red-sailed barge was beating up towards Maldon, its shivering sails and heavy lurches in the choppy seaway a crude echo of the tern's instinctive mastery

of wind.

That wind buffeted me and brought spatters of rain as I trudged south in glorious isolation. Inland, buntings chattered in the reeds that made a smoky grey

ribbon along the sea wall's drainage dyke. Marshhouse Decoy Pond lay hidden behind its trees. Seventeenth-century marshmen borrowed the idea from the

Dutchmen who were draining the East Anglian fenlands at that time: lure wildfowl to the pond with grain, use dogs to herd them into the deadly nets, and

wring their necks for the gentry's larders.

Walking the sea wall, I recalled reading J Wentworth Day's description of Essex oyster smacks at sunset: "sixteen small ships on fire, with masts and

cordage burnt out black against a Hobbema sky". No need to know what a Hobbema sky might be - romance had been embedded there in the outlandish

word.

Was today's sky a Hobbema sky? Certainly it was a grey one, smeared with racing rain clouds. And there were vessels outlined against it, too - a string of

gaunt old barges, moored on the mud so that silt could collect around their hulks to protect the salt marshes from erosion. Redshanks and curlews were

digging into the mud out there on the tideline, and a pair of oystercatchers streaked low above the sea, cutting into the wind with wings as curved and silvery

as sabres.

It is about 16 miles by sea wall from Bradwell to Burnham-on-Crouch, a long walk when you are pushing into a blustery south-westerly half-gale. I saw not a

soul during my walk, and heard nothing but the wind, bird-cries and the distant rush of waves that grew steadily louder as the tide came in.

The shore birds of Dengie see few humans. Near Holliwell Point, down in the remote south-eastern corner of the peninsula, turnstones and plover continued

to patter unconcernedly along the cockleshell beach, even when I sat down to watch them 10 feet off.

Wrapped in the silence and loneliness of Dengie, I could not quite believe that central London was less than an hour away.

Essex marshlands basics ()

Getting there

By rail: Burnham-on-Crouch and Southminster. By road: A12 to Chelmsford, A414 to Maldon. B1018 to Southminster; B1021 south to Burnham-on-Crouch

or north to Bradwell.

Where to stay

Cap and Feathers, Tillingham (01621 779212): b & b £25 for single, £35 for double. Ye Olde White Harte Hotel, Burnham-on-Crouch (01621 782106): b & b

from £36.30 for double.

Further information

Maldon Tourist Information Centre (01621 856503).



© Copyright of Telegraph Media Group Limited 2012




APPENDIX 5.4

Nations England Scotland Wales

Trails East North South West Wales

General Home

Aylmer family site Contact

Essex coast Home

Tendring Colne

Blackwater Crouch Thames

Click the icon to see

the logs for St Peter's Chapel to South Woodham

Ferrers

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the logs

Around the River Crouch This section starts, not with estuary, but with the longest littoral section of the walk so far. It's easy to see the Crouch estuary as a poor relation to the Blackwater: narrower, with fewer deep inlets, and boasting only the new town of South Woodham Ferrers at is navigable head, compared to the fine old town of Maldon. But with the Roach estuary included here too, there's much to enjoy.

Saturday 19 March 2011. St Peter's Chapel to Burnham-on-Crouch, 14 miles.

There's a song, Only the Lonely ... And here is the walk.

One can, just about, artificially construct day walks in southern Britain which pass no habitation - out-and-back loops in mountain and moorland areas, essentially two half-day walks stuck together. But a whole, simple, legitimate end-to-end day, following the lie of the land? In Scotland, easily - several times already on my cross-Scotland walk. Bits of mid-Wales, and upper Teesdale. And yet, here I am in Essex, at St Peter's Chapel, turning right, to follow the coast.

We had, weather-wise, a magnificent early spring day, constant sunshine, the lightest of breezes, and that comfortable walkers' temperature of around 10 degrees C. This walk would be another matter with hail and rain whipping in from the south-west, or in the grey dank mizzle of the previous stage. Instead, we could use the chapel as a marker for how far one mile, two miles looks like, while in the other direction, across the Thames, the North Downs and what can surely only be Margate become visisble. It's at two miles that the St Peter's Way turns inland, across the Bradwell marshes to Tillingham, the nearest village hereabouts. An experimental

radar array has been placed here, perhaps because it is far from interference (top picture in sidebar). Soon, at Marshhouse outfall - these periodic sluicegates help mark progress - the sea starts to move away from the path, impenetrable saltmarshes a kilometre wide separating the sea-wall from high tide (with low tide 2km further out). At the southernmost end of this section, there is an extensive run of horse-gallops with training fences, used by the equestrian centre at Middlewick Farm nearby. On meeting the high-tide mark once more (pictured left), the sea-wall track becomes concreted, in the section known as Deal Hall Wall. Across the peninsula, the higher buildings of Southend-on-Sea are in clear view, while seawards, there is an attractive cockle bank, terminating at Holliwell Point, where the coast starts to swing west. On the roof of an old pillbox - several around here are built through the sea-wall - we had a brew-up in lieu of a pub stop, as flocks of Brent geese flew past us at head-height, and a barn owl came to explore.

A half-mile or so from the point, there is a veritable Hilton of pillboxes. Over the estuary, the military installations of Foulness Island are apparent, as is its church, now (along with a once-famous pub) closed. Foulness is the fourth-largest English island, but access is all but impractical owing to its effective ownership by military plc Qinetiq, that ultimate failure of the brander's art.

So Foulness won't feature on our tour, despite many rights-of-way being registered, including the offshore Broomway which served as the island's principal access to the 1920s. To its west is the slightly-smaller Wallasea Island, with sea-wall breaches clearly visible (pictured left); more about that when we get closer. Eventually Burnham-on-Crouch comes in to view; it's one of those estuary towns that you think should be visible from further away than it is, like Padstow for example. I visited Burnham regularly when the boys were growing up; a very yachty place with two 'Royal' yacht clubs, and a good relaxed feel to it, plus a much-needed fish and chip shop.

Saturday 21 May 2011. Burnham-on-Crouch to South Woodham Ferrers, 15 miles, 13 on route.

I wasn't sure, from the map, that the Crouch estuary would match the Blackwater. This day shows that it does, though an awkward deviation after North Fambridge detracts. With the rail line linking start and finish, no car was necessary.

Another day just right for walking, warmer than the previous stage though with a stiffer breeze, but plenty of cotton wool cloud - more attractive than the sky-to-sky blue of March. Rejoining our finish place (pictured left), the path hugs the western quayside as it turns this way and that, past yet more yacht clubs - not Royal ones here though - and the town's recreation ground to Burnham Yacht Harbour, opened in 1989 after breaching of the sea wall and what must have been significant excavation. Soon after a tamarisk hedge - rather a surprise that they are not more common on this coast - the little hamlet of Creeksea appears, with a nice grouping of houses beyond a green. The

surprise of tamarisk, though, is as nothing as compared to the point less than a mile further on where the sea wall and its path suddenly give out and the route heads into a meadow, above what is known locally as 'The Cliff'. Now, as cliffs go, it's barely even in the Naze class, but it feels good to be heading uphill for a while, and get the benefit of longer views, both across the estuary and inland. Althorne marina is not far away now, yet another little yachting place, though less friendly than some owing to the privacy signs. It's not technically on the Crouch, separated by a creek (picture 2) from the river by Bridgemarsh island, which was abandoned to habitation after the disastrous 1953 floods; the brickworks chimney remains. As the island channel closes there's an opportunity to encounter the elusive contour zero, and with it the Blue House Farm nature reserve, into which there is later a permissive path, but we hugged the coast into the bustling harbour at North Fambridge.

The duck-friendly garden of the Ferry Boat Inn, opposite a pretty pair of cottages (pictured left), was an obvious place for lunch. Alas, it's from here that one is forced inland, across the railway line and along a lane to the main road to Burnham, the B1012. It's busy for a B road, and there is no footpath, one blind corner requiring especial care. After about half-a-mile, at Great Hayes farm, a footpath runs half-right

below from top: radar array at

Sandbeach outfall; Bridgemarsh creek;

Battlesbridge

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downhill across scrub, eventually joining a lane which ends at Little Hayes farm, where the railway is crossed again. There's now an annoying south-easterly stretch which takes one back towards North Fambridge, before the river is rejoined briefly once more, until Clementsgreen creek takes you towards the new town of South Woodham Ferrers. Technically, there is no right of way above the limit of high water at 820969, but we took it anyway, and sat for a while on the grassland buffering the coast from the town's production-line housing, before navigating by the sun through the town centre to the station.

Saturday 3 September 2011. South Woodham Ferrers to Battlesbridge, 9 miles.

The Crouch weaves around South Woodham Ferrers like a spring, the crow-flies distance today being three times longer than the footpath route. Alas, this includes one of the rare diversions inland forced by lack of riverine access. Barbara joined Dave and me for this short day out.

The route slowly turns eastwards, and so gives a view back down the Crouch, where Clementsgreen Creek joins the main channel. Turning westwards at the point, there is interest in the settlement of Hullbridge over the water, until the slipway at Marsh Farm is reached. Here, there is a right-of-way across the river, much as at Alresford on the Colne - and again, prudence prevents progress. Soon, as we walk north up the tributary Fenn Creek, housing becomes closer, and stays with us nearly to the point where a footbridge gives access to Woodham Fenn, a precious little sliver of common land for the residents of the town. But Tabrums

Farm blocks access back south to the other side of the creek. We have to hug the railway line, and then cross the busy A132. (The closest access to the high-water mark is indeed the main road, but it has a negative pleasure quotient.) From here, we crossed to slightly higher ground the other side of Rectory Lane, with decent views across the upper estuary, before descending through a little wood, braving the A road once more, and finally reaching the Crouch proper near Gosse's Farm. This lasts only for a few hundred yards before we need to take a lane into Battlesbridge. The old mill, and almost every other building of the village save thankfully the pub, now form a collective antiques centre, and not a bad one at that - we've used it several times, and encouraged Dave to return.

It's unlikely Dave and I will progress much further along the Essex Coast for a while, as I'm taken up with my forthcoming Cicerone guide 'Walking in Essex'. It will include all the best bits of the coast, of course!

Site created by Peter Aylmer of London

page created 27 March 2011, amended 16 November 2011

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Table A2: Criteria used to describe bat roost potential in trees

Bat roost potential Description

Negligible Generally used where a feature initially appears to have some bat roost potential, but on closer examination, the feature is confirmed to have no or negligible potential importance for roosting bats. In survey work, the category is used where a feature has been inspected and found not to contain any features of use to bats, and hence provides confirmation that a feature has been inspected or considered.

Low Superficially, the feature may have some interest to roosting bats but it is considered sub-optimal to the extent that the surveyor would not anticipate bats to use it for shelter. For example the entrance to a gap/ crevice may be obstructed, or a feature may be exposed in some form. The surveyor may decide that due to access constraints during the survey that a single activity survey may be appropriate to gather further information about bats using the buildings (if at all). This method is used when a watching brief is not deemed necessary but there is still doubt as to whether bats are present.

Moderate A feature that has some potential for roosting bats but is less than ideal in some way. The surveyor would not expect such a feature to be regularly used by roosting bats. Connectivity with navigational features might be sub-optimal; the feature might be occupied by other fauna (such as spiders etc.), subject to disturbance, or be very exposed. Buildings with significant ivy cover might fall within this category. In the context of licensing procedures, the Bat Conservation Trusts’ Bat Surveys - Good Practice Guidelines (2007), Joint Nature for Conservation Committees’ Bat Workers Manual (2004) and English Natures’ Bat Mitigation Guidelines (2004), the specialist bat surveyor would not automatically subject a ‘moderate’ feature to additional activity surveys, unless specific reasons were identified that justified this. If a precautionary approach is deemed appropriate, a watching brief at the time of any works taking place might be recommended.

High An ‘ideal’ feature, which in the experience of the surveyor is wholly appropriate for use by roosting bats. For example, it has no obstructions at the gap / crevice, it is free or nearly so, from disturbance from artificial lighting, but no direct evidence of bats has been found. In the context of licensing procedures, the Bat Conservation Trusts’ Bat Surveys - Good Practice Guidelines (2007)1, Joint Nature for Conservation Committees’ Bat Workers Manual (2004) and English Natures’ Bat Mitigation Guidelines (2004), a feature with ‘high’ bat roosting potential (BRP) is likely to be subject to additional activity surveys such as dusk and dawn swarming surveys to assist in confirmation of its status, and may also be subject to a watching brief during works that may disturb them. If a feature with ‘high’ BRP is subsequently found to support roosting bats, the results of any additional surveys that qualify the nature of the roost, the species present, or quantify the population associated with it may be used in support of an application for a European Protected Species (EPS) derogation licence from Natural England.

Confirmed Positive evidence of bats recorded, i.e. individual bats present, bat droppings or existing records of bat roost are directly associated with this feature. An upgrade to ‘confirmed’ status might be appropriate based on the findings of a dusk emergence or pre-dawn swarming survey.

1 At the time of survey these were the most recently published survey guidelines. These have now been superseded by BCT (2012) but the revised guidelines do not affect the robustness of the current assessment.

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